An attack by US-led forces has killed three women and a child along with 32 militants on a rebel compound in eastern Afghanistan.

The incident happened on Tuesday when the US-led coalition which ousted the Taliban in late 2001 targeted a hideout in Paktika province from the ground and the air, it said in a statement.

Another civilian was injured, it added.

"Several militants were killed... Tuesday during a coalition forces operation to disrupt militant operations in Paktika province. The operation also resulted in four civilian deaths," the statement said.

HSH/BGH